100 years of lifesaving work and counting: Happy Birthday to the American Heart Association

A Message from Nancy Tobbe, executive director of the American Heart Association, Central Ohio

Some say it’s not important to look back. But understanding where you’ve been — and evaluating what you’ve learned — helps to inform the way ahead.

100 years ago, six pioneering physicians had the bold idea to form an organization that was rooted in scientific research that would lead heart patients to a better outcome through treatment and prevention. In the century that followed, their idea - the American Heart Association - has grown to become the nation’s oldest voluntary health organization with more than 40 million volunteers and supporters dedicated to improving heart health and reducing deaths from cardiovascular diseases and stroke. One bold idea, brought to life by bold hearts, has resulted in more than $5 billion invested in research to ensure all people have the opportunity to live longer, healthier lives. With a century of hard work, scientific discovery and healthy public policies, these bold moves have helped transform the nation’s health and significantly reduce heart disease and stroke death rates. For 100 years the American Heart Association has made a profound impact. We’ve addressed barriers to equitable health, advanced scientific discovery, raised awareness and advocated for healthy workplaces and communities — all with the aim of improving health and well-being for all people. As we also celebrate two decades of Go Red for Women this year, we recognize the bold moves making it possible to address inequities, remove barriers and advance opportunities to improve women’s health. We’ve championed lifesaving discoveries for and by women. We’ve advocated for moms, prenatal health and positive solutions to promote overall well-being – including mental health. And we’re just getting started. With Bold Hearts™ and support from our donors, we’ll continue to empower women to take charge of their health. As the American Heart Association boldly looks to the next century of work, Central Ohio is a part of that plan. Though tremendous progress has been made in fighting heart disease and stroke in our community,

Our Future is about improving yours.

country and across the globe, the work is far from complete. Monumental goals such as eradicating heart disease and stroke can’t be achieved alone. The collective passion and commitment of the community is what will transform heart and brain health, advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere.